TeachLive, Australia

Education

TeachLive is an innovative educational tool that places teachers on Earthwatch research projects where they receive a unique professional development experience and get to teach “live” back to their classrooms via an interactive website.

Students can take a virtual expedition with their teachers who will help them engage in science in an Australian and global context and act as science role models.

Since the program was launched in 2003, Earthwatch Australia has engaged around 100 teachers and thousands of students from across the country in expeditions to places ranging from the Australian Outback to Brazil’s Pantanal.

TeachLive places teachers on Earthwatch research expeditions where they teach in real time back to their classrooms via the web.

TEACHERS

The interactive nature of the program offers an excellent opportunity for teachers to improve their web-based teaching skills, learn current scientific research techniques, work alongside other teachers, and learn more about the unique environments of the world.

Teachers are required to develop lesson plans that aim to enhance the teaching of conservation research and science through the national curriculum. Teachers interact with their students via a live web forum, post daily highlights and photos, and communicate directly with their classrooms in real time via a range of videoconferencing tools.

Since the program was launched in 2003, Earthwatch Australia has engaged around 100 teachers and thousands of students.

STUDENTS

TeachLive offers students a great introduction to how innovative technologies can be used to motivate students. Their experience of what is involved in scientific research increases their curiosity and their enthusiasm for science.

TeachLive shows students areas of Australia and the rest of the world they may have never seen before, gives them a new perspective on scientific research, and exposes them to positive career opportunities by providing them with new and varied personal and professional role models.

Learn scientific research techniques, work alongside fellow teachers, and learn about the unique environments of the world.

HOW TO GET INVOLVED

Funding for TeachLive opportunities is currently provided by two Earthwatch partners:

The Victorian Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (DEECD TeachLive)